The Vanbrugh
Colomb St, SE10
After a long time of trying to go to The Vanbrugh to eat and failing (there was always some reason why I would walk out again - somehow it felt a little unwelcoming every time I went in - though of course one of those nights happened to be Quiz Night - and quiz nights by their very nature tend to be a bit clique-y) I am a convert. I went for Sunday lunch a week or so ago, and enjoyed it so much I was back in there last night. I've realised that the slightly odd feel really is only around the edges and, once inside it's actually the gem I'd always hoped it would be.
Although it looks "trendy" from the outside, the pub-area is the classic traditional boozer, with an old-fashioned bar, specials chalked on the boards and a cosy atmopshere. I could personally lose the TV screens but let's face it they've got 'em everywhere these days - and it's nothing unusual. You quickly get used to them.
Service is friendly and efficient and I got a greeting from the chefs in the kitchen (as you know, I take note of things like that - if the chefs seem happy, then much else is probably in order.)
The 'restaurant area' is round the back - bare brick walls painted pink, one papered with a trendy design. I'm sure that it used to be all tables, but they seem to have moved some of them into the 'smoking area' now, replacing them with squashy sofas - a good move IMHO.
The food's generally good. The roasts are fine - not the very best I've ever had, but highly respectable and certainly worth a return visit. I had some fish and chips which were very good indeed and they were nicely prepared and presented. The menu (apart from the roasts) changes regularly and the food is properly sourced from decent local suppliers. The wine is also much better than your bog-standard pub stuff.
I guess what I really like about this pub though, is that they make an effort. There is, as I mentioned earlier, a famous quiz night (details on their really rather good website) - but they also do one-off events and film nights, where they roll down a screen and the sofas come into their own. The films are of the indie variety.
There seems to be some sort of dispute over the nice-looking garden, though I'm not sure what it is - noise - size - whatever. I wanted to ask but they seemed a bit busy. I'm sure one of you will fill me in...
www.thevanbrugh.co.uk
After a long time of trying to go to The Vanbrugh to eat and failing (there was always some reason why I would walk out again - somehow it felt a little unwelcoming every time I went in - though of course one of those nights happened to be Quiz Night - and quiz nights by their very nature tend to be a bit clique-y) I am a convert. I went for Sunday lunch a week or so ago, and enjoyed it so much I was back in there last night. I've realised that the slightly odd feel really is only around the edges and, once inside it's actually the gem I'd always hoped it would be.
Although it looks "trendy" from the outside, the pub-area is the classic traditional boozer, with an old-fashioned bar, specials chalked on the boards and a cosy atmopshere. I could personally lose the TV screens but let's face it they've got 'em everywhere these days - and it's nothing unusual. You quickly get used to them.
Service is friendly and efficient and I got a greeting from the chefs in the kitchen (as you know, I take note of things like that - if the chefs seem happy, then much else is probably in order.)
The 'restaurant area' is round the back - bare brick walls painted pink, one papered with a trendy design. I'm sure that it used to be all tables, but they seem to have moved some of them into the 'smoking area' now, replacing them with squashy sofas - a good move IMHO.
The food's generally good. The roasts are fine - not the very best I've ever had, but highly respectable and certainly worth a return visit. I had some fish and chips which were very good indeed and they were nicely prepared and presented. The menu (apart from the roasts) changes regularly and the food is properly sourced from decent local suppliers. The wine is also much better than your bog-standard pub stuff.
I guess what I really like about this pub though, is that they make an effort. There is, as I mentioned earlier, a famous quiz night (details on their really rather good website) - but they also do one-off events and film nights, where they roll down a screen and the sofas come into their own. The films are of the indie variety.
There seems to be some sort of dispute over the nice-looking garden, though I'm not sure what it is - noise - size - whatever. I wanted to ask but they seemed a bit busy. I'm sure one of you will fill me in...
www.thevanbrugh.co.uk
Labels: Drinking, Eating Out
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
08:41
9 Comments:
Coincidentaly we ate there for the first time at the weekend too and were impressed. Much better than I was expecting. I would even go so far as to say it was much better than most of the pubs I can think of in West Greenwich :-)
A friend got plastic in her burger, and after stupidly eating a half raw burger in May, I was sick all night.
I have eaten there since though, and not been sick, but I tend to avoid the burgers.
I like it for lunch on a weekday, it's quiet and the food has always be tasty and well presented with a deal including a free drink, staff are lovely too.
Hi,
It's a really good local and the food is great - apart from when you go on Sunday afternoon - I once got told that I'd have to wait an hour before even ordering! I headed off to the Union or The Hill for a roast instead!
The Vanbrugh is a great local pub with alot going on - film nights, quiz nights etc. One word of warning though: the quiz nights are packed!
I'd the fish n chips and frankly was underwhelmed. FROZEN for a start, and very oily. The fries were good though.
I would get the chicken and basmati rice thing next time I am there. It was my first time there but I would give it another try for sure.
I like the cosy atmosphere. The staff were generally friendly and although it took a long time to get our orders, the food came quickly. The chefs also looked friendly.
I will definitely go back, if only to sit in the lovely garden and have a nice pint. I would check out the screenings.
The Vanbrugh is one of the most wonderful pub / restaurants in London. The interior decor has been carefully and tastefully considered. The food is superb; the excellent chef delivers a superb menu of food that caters for even the most discerning diner. The atmosphere and service are also of the highest standard making this a truly remarkable place to have a meal or just a drink. I highly recommend it.
What a brilliant place in summer, the beer garden is amazing, i see how its won awards. service great, atmosphere great, people great, food great. undisputably one of the best gastro pubs in london.
Have the last two comments been posted by the owners? It's a nice local pub with average to good food and a nicely presented sunny garden. I think it stands out because of the absolute lack of any local competition but there's always room for improvement.
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